South Hams Council officer backs young on homes

A senior Devon housing officer is backing a group of young people calling for land to be made available where they can build low-cost eco-homes.

Debbie Holloway of South Hams Affordable Housing Department is joining 14 youngsters who are meeting housing minister Kris Hopkins.

Will Holland, 20, of Dittisham, said the cost of buying land was too high and rental homes were in short supply.

Ms Holloway said it was important to keep young people in the community.

Carpenter Mr Holland, who lives with his parents, said he had tried renting a shared house in Totnes but it proved too expensive, so he returned to the family home after six months.

Ms Holloway said: "If they can secure any land we would help and support them in any way we could to be able to self build on it.

"We would put them in touch with the right people such as self-build trusts so that they get the support they need. I think it is very refreshing that they want to come in with ideas."